This Book Will Teach You to Write Better by Neville Medhora, Summary

Want to Become a Better Writer? The reality is that there are many books that teach you how to write better. Some of the books will overwhelm you with information. That's not the case with This Book Will Teach You to Write Better by Neville Medhora

A big part of the reading challenge that I am host, is that you become more marketable and valuable to yourself, employer, and clients, at the end of 52 weeks. During the year, you read books that give your mind an intellectual workout. You read books to learn new skills. You read books to become better at your craft.

Among the books on my reading list a few years ago, were several books to help me become a better writer. Reading a book is never enough, it’s the practice – it's the application of what you learn – that makes you better at your craft. This Book Will Teach You to Write Better by Neville Medhora, has a few good tips. The book is very, very short. Did I say the book is short? You can read it in under 30 minutes – that’s how short it is.

I took a lot of notes while reading This Book Will Teach You to Write Better by Neville Medhora, so it took me a little longer to work my way through it. I reflected on what I was reading. And I wanted to absorb the information, make it mine, so I can apply it. What I like most about this book, are the examples that demonstrate how to properly use the concepts.

Have you read?

Notes on Several Short Sentences About Writing by Verlyn Klinkenborg

How to Become a Better Writer – The Usual Suspects

Like most books on writing, This Book Will Teach You to Write Better by Neville Medhora, has some of the standard information. That’s okay. It wouldn’t be a book on writing if that information was missing. As a writer, you are a communicator, and part of that role is to transfer information to another person. With that in mind, it is your responsibility to write in such a way, that the reader wants to read what you have to say.

When you write, think about this statement: The readers do not care about YOU, they care about THEMSELVES. Repeat that a few times to allow it to sink in. When you write, think about the reader, how can the information help him or her? What benefit does the customer get? Describe everything a person is interested in, in the article. Describe what's going to happen in the article. Let people know what benefit they are going to get. If you want people to listen to what you have to say, you have to be interesting. These make up the foundation of good writing. Perhaps that’s why many writing books leave them out – because it’s so basic. There are times when we have to get back to the basics.

How to Become a Better Writer – Write Casual Copy

There is a difference between writing a business document, and writing a blog post or copy to sell your product or service. In This Book Will Teach You to Write Better by Neville Medhora, the author says that we should write casual copy. Pretend that a friend is sitting across from you. Instead of writing, have a conversation with her, about what you would write. The way you talk to a friend, is very different from the way you would write the message. And that’s the point – start writing the way you talk. This enables you to draw the readers in. Remember, it’s the message, and not the person, that makes something contagious. The message has to be interesting and engaging.

• Transcribe the pretend conversation you had with your friend.
• Keep the interesting parts and delete the boring ones.
• Don't be clever, be clear.
• A good copywriter doesn't try to impress; he tries to inform.
• People respond to what is new, novel or helpful.
• You have to make people want to pay attention.

It is worth noting that “New” information doesn't have a lasting impact.  With “Novel” information, ask if it will garner the right attention. Providing information that is “Helpful” is a useful tactic. That’s why “How-To” articles are so popular.

How to Become a Better Writer – The AIDA Framework

A – Attention

I – Interest

D – Desire

A – Action

The first sentence in your copy should grab readers’ ATTENTION. After you have their attention, you go deeper to INTEREST them. You do this by sharing interesting facts. You make them DESIRE what you are offering. If you did your job, they will want what you are offering. Show and tell them how your solution is the answer to their problem. Then you get them to take ACTION. That means you get them to buy, click on a link, or take whatever action you want them to. Don’t forget to describe how to take action – you shouldn’t leave your reading hanging, trying to figure out what to do next.

When using the AIDA Framework, think about writing to one person. To master the AIDA Framework, you have to know your market. For a second, be your market, you'll know what customers want. Additionally, also have a composite of the average customer you're trying to sell to. Think about your customers, what are her problems? What are her goals? What are her desires? Knowing this information gives you insights into what to include in the copy.

How to Become a Better Writer – Headline Formula

Writing headlines is not a strength for me, so I was very appreciative of this information in This Book Will Teach You to Write Better by Neville Medhora.

[End result customer wants] + [Specific time period] + [Address the objections]

“Example 1

[Triple the conversions on your e-commerce store] + [in 3 days] + [or I'll refund your money]

Example 2

[Wipe away your debt] + [before your tax return is due] + [so the IRS won't call]”

There are three types of headlines:

1. 1. Competitive Headline – Shows how you can beat others.
   2. Benefit Driven – Shows the benefits of the product.
   3. Inspirational – Shows that even you can do something.

Application

1. Write for the reader: Keep in mind that readers care more about themselves than about you. Therefore, when writing, focus on the reader and how your writing can benefit them. Write in a way that draws them in and keeps them interested.
2. Write casual copy: To make your writing more engaging, try to write in a casual tone as if you are having a conversation with a friend. This makes your writing relatable and draws the reader in.
3. Use the AIDA framework: Use the AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) framework to structure your writing. Grab readers' attention, pique their interest, create a desire for what you are offering, and then prompt them to take action.
4. Use the Headline Formula: Use the headline formula to create attention-grabbing headlines for your articles, blog posts, or copy. Remember, there are three types of headlines: competitive, benefit-driven, and inspirational.

By applying these techniques, you can improve your writing skills and make your content more interesting, engaging, and effective.

Final Thoughts: This Book Will Teach You to Write Better

writing is an essential skill for anyone who wants to communicate effectively. Whether you're a blogger, a copywriter, or a business owner, This Book Will Teach You to Write Better by Neville Medhora provides valuable insights into how to become a better writer. Remember that good writing is about the reader, not the writer.

Write in a conversational tone and keep the reader engaged by providing interesting and helpful information. Use the AIDA framework to structure your writing and write headlines that grab the reader's attention. Apply these tips to your writing and see the difference they can make in engaging your audience and driving action. Start practicing and refining your writing skills, and soon enough, you'll become a better writer.

Although This Book Will Teach You to Write Better by Neville Medhora is a very short book, it’s chock full of information to help you become a better writer. I recommend this easy to read book, because you’ll be able to use some of the information right away.

Next Steps

Wondering what to do next, you can do all of:

1. Buy my new book, Leadership Reading: Spilling the Tea on How Top Leaders Read

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6. Buy me a cup of coffee!

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UPDATE: First Published in February 2016